Mission to Rabaul

Deals with the air war as conducted by the United States 5th Air Force in the New Guinea theatre culminating in the raid on Rabaul 12 October 1943 in which 326 fighters and bombers took part. Operations covered are: construction of the airstrip at Marilinan. The raid on Wewak 17 August 1943. Salamaua area including footage of bombing of Komiatum and Roosevelt Ridge. Hansa Bay hit by 98 medium and heavy bombers. Bombing of Alexishafen. Attacks on Cape Gloucester area - Borgen Bay, Rein Bay and Stettin Bay. Interdiction of Japanese transport barges. Attack on Hopoi in support of Allied landings at mouth of Busu River. The parachute drop at Nadzab. Destruction of Japanese aircraft at Lae 16 September 1943. Finschafen 27 September 1943. Wewak raid 27 September 1943. Rabaul mission authorised by Lieutenant General Kenney commanding general of the 5th Air Force 11 October 1943 after intelligence indicated that there were 243 Japanaese aircraft at Rabaul. Preparations for the attack. Close ups of nose art, B-24 Liberator 'Moby Dick', P-38 Lighting "Six Shooter". US 5th Air Force rendezvous at Oro Bay. Attack on Vunakanau airstrip. Sequence of attack by Japanese fighter 'Hamp'. Attack on Ropopo airstrip.